Comparing the Ford F-150 Lightning vs Chevy Silverado EV

There is a lot of talk about electric trucks. When you are doing research about cars, you can’t help but see several articles about how marvelous the Ford Lightning is or how electric vehicles can now travel great distances before having to be plugged in for a recharge. Even if you aren’t in the market for a truck, electric or gas-powered, you must still be intrigued and curious. But for those who are in the market for an electric truck, you will want to learn as much as you can about them before selecting which one is right for you. There is a rivalry building up at this very moment. Without a doubt, there will be much discussion about the Ford Lightning and Silverado EV. These are two iconic trucks that will have electric versions available soon, and the competition is already heating up. In the battle that features two popular truck models, Kate Faupel Ford, your Owensboro Ford dealership, presents the 2022 Ford Lightning vs the 2024 Chevy Silverado EV.

Technology and Design

Two all-new electric pickup trucks are set to join the market very soon, and it looks as though Ford and Chevy will continue their long-standing rivalry. That isn’t a big surprise; the two top dogs have been in competition for several decades. What does seem a bit different is that they will be dueling with electric trucks.

Ford and Chevy both developed electric trucks, but they chose completely different paths in their approach. Ford stuck with the gas-powered F-150 and swapped the engine out for an electric motor while Chevy decided to create the Silverado EV from the ground up; it’s literally a brand new model. And while the Ford Lightning looks the same as its gas-powered brothers, the Silverado EV looks quite different from the rest of the Silverado lineup. For hardcore F-150 enthusiasts, it’s nice that Ford kept the iconic look of the original pickup truck.

Both trucks boast plenty of technology. For example, they both feature infotainment systems with large touchscreens. The base Lightning model boasts a 12-inch touchscreen that features Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a navigation system, and Wi-Fi compatibility. The top trim levels enjoy a 15.5-inch touchscreen and Bang and Olufsen premium sound system. The Silverado will sport an 11-inch touchscreen and a 17-inch touchscreen on the top trim.

The Lightning is constructed with a body built from military-grade high-strength alloy, which makes the truck durable as well as lightweight. It also speaks the truth when Ford says they build their trucks Ford Tough. In addition, thanks to the independent rear suspension, ride comfort is guaranteed.

Power and Performance

The Lightning is powered by two electric motors, one on each axle, that deliver all-wheel drive. The result is a truck with 426 horsepower and 775 lb-ft of torque. The model is fitted with a standard battery pack that will give you a driving range of around 230 miles. In addition, you can choose to upgrade to the extended battery pack, which will garner 300 miles. In addition to the additional miles you can drive on the extended battery pack, the horsepower is boosted to 563. However, the torque remains the same.

The Silverado EV also employs two motors and all-wheel drive. On the lower trim level, you will experience 510 horsepower and 615 lb-ft of torque. On the high trim level, the Silverado EV will have 664 horsepower and 780 lb-ft of torque. The driving range for the Silverado EV is at 400 miles.

Due to the weight of the battery pack, electric trucks lag in towing and payload. Still, the Lightning can tow up to 7,700 pounds with a payload of 2,000 pounds. With the extended range battery pack, those numbers change. The extended range battery pack increased the horsepower to 10,000 pounds. However, it cuts the payload from 2,000 pounds to 1,800 pounds.

The Silverado EV boasts some similar numbers. Towing capacity for the base model is 8,000 pounds, and it can haul up to 1,200 pounds. The RST trim with the more powerful motors can tow up to 10,000 pounds, and it can haul up to 1,300 pounds.

Safety and Models

For the time being, Chevy plans on only launching two trim levels, the WT and RST, with nothing in between to bridge that rather large gap. So you can either choose the base model or the top trim level that stands at six figures. The Ford F-150 Lightning comes in four trim levels, which is nice for those who like choices. The XLT serves as the base model and comes standard with the typical features you would expect. There are several options, including heated seats, the extended battery pack, and 20-inch wheels.

While all trim levels come standard with fixed running boards, the Lariat and Platinum enjoy retractable running boards and a power tailgate. The Lariat also boasts heated and cooled leather seats. You also enjoy the 15.5-inch infotainment system in the Lariat. The Platinum is fully-loaded, and the extended range battery pack is standard. The Platinum rides on 22-inch wheels with black accents. On the inside, you will be seated on Nirvana leather seats that are heated and cooled.

The Lightning comes standard with a host of safety features that not only keep you safe on the road, but they also make driving an even more pleasant experience. A few standard driver-assisted features include lane-keeping assist, lane-departure warning, and automated emergency braking, which is a pre-collision feature that uses utilized camera technology to detect when an object is in front of you, and a collision is possible. The lane-keeping assist emits vibrations from the steering wheel when you drift from your lane. The Lightning also comes equipped with BlueCruise, new self-driving technology as an optional feature. Paired with features like adaptive cruise control, the semi-autonomous driving mode allows the driver a hands-free driving experience.

The Silverado EV also comes with plenty of standard safety features. Drivers behind the wheel of a Silverado will enjoy forward collision alert, lane-departure warning, and following distance indicator, which helps prevent tailgating and rear-end collisions. Other safety features include automatic emergency braking, high-beam assist, and front pedestrian braking. The Silverado EV will also have the option of Super Cruise for semi-autonomous driving.

A True F-150

You can crunch numbers and look at figures all day long to determine which truck has an edge. They are comparable trucks, to be sure, but the F-150 has one significant advantage; the fact that at heart, it is a genuine Ford F-150. For a true Ford enthusiast, building the F-150 Lightning for the ground up is just the same as manufacturing a brand new model. So when you are cruising your Foord Lightning down the streets of your city, you and everybody else on the road know that you are driving an F-150. The only difference between your Lightning and any other F-150 is that yours is powered by electricity.

Kate Faupel Ford invites drivers to visit our dealership for top-quality new and used vehicles. With our impressive inventory and friendly sales team, finding the perfect car, truck, or SUV to fit your needs and lifestyle is all too easy. We are always looking for better ways to bring you a better dealership experience. In addition to our wonderful selection of new cars, trucks, and SUVs, we also offer a wide range of used vehicles. We employ knowledgeable and friendly finance experts who will work with you to find the right auto loan that fits your budget. And our dedication to you does not end when you drive off in your dream vehicle. Our service center features highly-trained technicians whose expertise will keep your car in excellent running condition. Whether you stop by for routine maintenance or a major repair, we will have you back on the road in a timely manner and a job done right the first time. Stop by Kate Faupel Ford today and let us help you get behind the wheel of your dream car, truck, or SUV.

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